Pattaya Pete's Journal

With all that has been happening in Thailand recently, re: the protests in Bangkok, I have be rethinking my yearly trip to Pattaya.  I just don’t feel comfortable at the moment planning a trip to a country that is in a political flux.  It is still a while off – like November of this year, but I like to plan ahead and so I’m doing some thinking about it now.

There are plenty of places to visit in Asia, including China, Japan, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and the Philippines.  Some are more attractive than others, and while I like a little adventure on my vacations, I also like my creature comforts as well.  And I like to get more for my money than I would if I traveled in the States or the EU.  So I’m making a list of some of the good and the bad of the countries I like to visit.

The Not So “South East” Asian Countries on my list:

China – I would love to make a visit there.  One of the first Asian cultures I’ve really been attracted to from a young age.  I’d love to see all the history that is on offer, the great wall, the forbidden city are two of the spots I want to see.  I would also like to visit Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Macao.  This can be an expensive trip, and the country is so vast, a lot of time would be spent getting around on transport.  I also don’t like supporting a repressive government like China with my hard earned dollars.

Japan – This is another culture I have been fascinated with since I was a kid.  I’m not even sure what places I would like to visit there, I just know that I will need to make a trip there at least once.  The major downside of this country is the cost.  Japan is very expensive.

On to the real South East Asia

Laos -  There are a couple spots that I would like to visit, including the capital city of Vientiane and a couple of beachs on the Mekong that I’ve heard about.  The Country is a cheap place to visit, though I don’t get real excited thinking about it.  It hasn’t made the short list.

Cambodia – This one is definitely on the list.  Angkor Wat is someplace I’ve wanted to visit for a while.  Also Siem Reap and the killing fields of Phonm Penn.  The last is a little morbid, but one should not forget the horror that went on in that country not so long ago.  There is also an old French colonial casino and hotel that has been abandoned.  It is off the beaten trail, but it looks like a great place for photos.

Vietnam – Not that crazy about this one either, but I would like to see old Saigon or Ho Chi Minn City as it is called now.  Also Halong Bay in northern Vietnam looks spectacular.  The price is right, but something about Vietnam doesn’t sit quite right with me.

Philippines – They have some really nice beaches, and Islands such as Boracay are great for SCUBA as well.  The legendary nightlife and debaucery of Manila and Angelas City does appeal to my purient nature.  But I’ve heard a few negatives about safety is this area of the islands.  The price is right, but I’ll have to consider my options.

That is my short list of places to travel in South East Asia.  I still need to do some more research and see what places will best suit my travel needs.  They are all options right now and I hope to get some more info and narrow down the list.  Though maybe by then the turmoil in Thailand will be over and I can feel comfortable getting back there.